CITY CAN PENALIZE GROW-OP LANDLORDS

The city is upping its power to clean up -- or even tear down --
marijuana grow operations.

A new bylaw, approved by the planning and economic development
committee yesterday, gives the city the right to clean up a grow-op at
the expense of the property owner. If warranted, a building damaged by
a drug operation can be completely demolished.

Police estimate there are at least 2,500 grow operations at any given
time in Hamilton. Since August last year, the city has been called to
47 properties where police found grow-ops. The new bylaw gives city
staff enhanced powers to inspect the properties for health hazards.

The properties must then be fully restored. If the owner doesn't step
up, the city will and the cost will be billed back to the owners, even
if they argue they didn't know about the drug operation. If they don't
pay, the cost will be added to their tax bills.

The program, which requires two bylaw officers, is designed for full
cost recovery. Each inspection will cost $545.